Match 1.6 TDI 5dr Hatchback

Beware repair costs!

The Golf was purchased just one year from new - but had already clocked up 48000 KM (been used as a company car). However, my own use is typically only 15000 km per year - mainly motorways. For the past 4 years, the car has been superb. Not a single reliability issue or other breakdown. I have travelled with 4 adults + luggage - and the car just takes it in its stride. Take note though - this is NOT a souped-up "sports car" - its a vehicle for transporting people - and this it has done admirably. Love the quality interior. There are no unnecessary luxuries or gimmicks per se - you only what you need. Very Teutonic. And I like that no-nonsense approach.

As other owners have pointed out - the one tiny (but still annoying) feature is that when you set the fan to blow cold air, bizarrely, the A/C comes on automatically. so you HAVE to turn this off if you just want the fan air.

Other than that - at the 5 year mark, the car is not showing any signs of wear or stress. We have performed one routine service and had one additional oil filter/oil change. Fuel economy is pretty good - and for motorway driving, if you engage cruise control, efficiency improves even more.

If you're not into racing, or rally driving on public roads - but just want a car to be a car (instead of a mobile disco, or a jet fighter) & if you value reliability in summer or winter - I can recommend this one.

ADDENDUM: Looks like I was praising the machine too early! On a recent motorway trip, the car broke down - it entered the safety mode and shut off - with the engine maintenance warning lights showing. It had to be towed to a local garage. A full diagnostic showed that ALL FOUR fuel injectors were finished! Its not possible to clean, or repair these. They cost 400 pounds EACH. So 4 of these, plus a new fuel filter, plus labour left me with a wapping 2250 pound bill! And I'm told this is a common failure, as its EGR valve (1000 pounds). So....just be aware.

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